Legends about mermaids have persisted throughout the ages and in various cultures. I wonder what it was about fish that made people think that a half-human half-fish creature could be a possibility.

Walking around Warsaw, you soon see that the mermaid is important to them. She proudly swims across official stamps covering taxis, signs and council property. Various stories in different cultures portray mermaids differently – they lure ships to destruction or they help fishermen; they are cruel or helpful; they are astoundingly beautiful or ugly devil-fish. In Warsaw, the mermaid brandishes a sword and shield, ready for battle.

According to legend, mermaid sisters swam to the shores of Poland from wherever it is that mermaids live. One of them decided to swim to Denmark, the other thought a light swim down the river Vistula would be a better idea. The one that swam to Denmark was immortalised in the Hans Christian Anderson story, “The Little Mermaid”.

I’ve written about the Funnel Beaker culture that spanned north-central Europe. Cultural memes spread through the region, so it’s possible these mermaid legends spread in a similar way, or at a similar time, too.

The other one took a leisurely swim along the river. She eventually got tired and rested along the river bank. She liked the place so much she decided to stay for a while. Fishermen soon noticed that someone was untangling their nets and releasing the fish. They caught the mermaid in the act but her beautiful singing so enchanted them, they fell in love with her.

A rich merchant figured that a singing mermaid was a business opportunity. He captured her, intending to show her off at country fairs. A local farmer heard her plaintive singing and rescued her. Recognising that the locals came to her rescue, the mermaid pledged to always protect them.

Which is why she carries a sword and shield, ready for battle.

What stories of mermaids exist in your country?